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Broncos explore coaching options after firing of Joseph

Posted
Wednesday, January 2, 2019 9:51 am

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Associated Press

John Elway is looking for his fourth head coach in six seasons after firing Vance Joseph for presiding over the Denver Broncos' worst two-year stretch since the late 1960s.

The Broncos immediately sought permission to interview Steelers offensive line coach and former Titans head coach Mike Munchak, Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and Patriots defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Later Monday, the Broncos added former Colts head coach Chuck Pagano, a native of Boulder, to their wish list and also asked the Los Angeles Rams for permission to interview 35-year-old quarterbacks coach Zac Taylor.

Elway acknowledged being part of the problem in the Broncos' 20-28 record since their Super Bowl 50 parade, including 11-21 under Joseph.

“The first guy I look at is the guy in the mirror,'' Elway said Monday. “And I'm just as responsible for this, if not more, than anybody else because it's my job to make sure that we win more football games. And so I take full responsibility for that.”

It was Joseph who took the fall, however, fired with two years and about $6 million left on his contract.

“Vance is a good man. He worked his tail off,” Elway said. “And unfortunately, we didn't get it done. We didn't win enough football games and ultimately that's what we have to do.”

Elway almost fired Joseph last year after a 5-11 debacle but gave him a second chance. He got no similar reprieve after going 6-10.

“It's disappointing not being able to finish what we started, but I'm incredibly proud of the players and coaches for how they fought and worked every week,” Joseph said in a statement. “I also appreciate the support staffs who put in countless hours behind the scenes helping our team. This is a special place with great fans.”

The following are results from state Legislature, county and municipal races, and ballot issues from the Nov. 6 election. Results for county and municipal offices and ballot questions were updated shortly after midnight on Nov. 7. For state Senate and state House, results were updated Nov. 8.